The 2010 Arizona state elections were held on November 2, 2010, with primaries on August 24, 2010. These include gubernatorial and both sides of Congress. A special election was also on May 18 for Proposition 100.

Republic John Shadegg, the incumbent in the 3rd district, announced that he would not seek re-election on January 14, 2010.[3] On the Republican side, Ben Quayle, son of former vice-president Dan Quayle, announced his of February 12, 2010,[4][5] despite never voting in a local election.[6] Other notable Republicans in the race include former state representative Sam Crump, former state senators Pamela Gorman and Jim Waring, and former Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker. The only Democrat in that race is Jon Hulburd.[7]

Both the 5th and 8th districts' Democratic incumbents, Harry Mitchell and Gabrielle Giffords, respectively, are seeking reelection.[8] Mitchell faces a Republican challenge from former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert, Jeffrey W. Smith, Jim Ward while Gifford's biggest Republican challengers include former State Senator Jonathan Paton and construction manager Jesse Kelly.[9]

Jan Brewer won the Republican primary with approximately 80% of the vote while Democrat Terry Goddard moved on with no opposition. Barry Hess won the Libertarian primary and Larry Gist won the Green primary.

Both primary elections were close. In the Democratic primary, Felecia Rotellini beat out David Lujan by only 3,000 votes, less than 1% of the total votes. On the Republican side, Tom Horne declared victory on August 28, with an 853 vote lead.[18] However, his opponent, Andrew Thomas, did not concede the race until August 31.[19]

On May 18, 2010, a special election was held for Proposition 100. It was passed by an almost two-thirds margin.[20] It will temporarily raise the Arizona state sales tax from 5.6% to 6.6%, with two-thirds of the revenue generated going to support education. After three years, the tax will automatically be repealed.